Valentine Berries and Cream

Vseward (Chef~V)'s Note:

This is the best valentine cake from TOH, everyone has raved when I make this as they feel extra special. This is a scrumptious filled chocolate heart with berries and cream.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 8 (1 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate baking squares
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese , softened
• ¼ cup butter , softened
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄3; cup baking cocoa
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream , whipped, divided
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries , halved
• 1 drop red food coloring

Directions:

1. Line a 9-in. heart-shaped or square baking pan with foil; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Pour into prepared pan, swirling to coat the bottom and 1-1/2 inches up the sides.
2. Refrigerate for 1 minute, then swirl the chocolate to reinforce sides of heart or box. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Using foil, lift from pan; remove foil and place chocolate heart on a serving plate.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Combine confectioners' sugar and cocoa; add to creamed mixture with milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add 1 drop of red food coloring if you want a pink tint to the top.
4. Gently fold two-thirds of the whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into heart. Insert star tip #32 into a pastry or plastic bag; fill with the remaining whipped cream. Pipe around the edge of heart. Garnish with strawberries.

Reviews

[rosslare]

I did not try the chocolate shell, but the mousse-like chocolate filling was DIVINE with the strawberries and whipped cream.

[LizP]

I have been making this every Valentine's Day since TOH published the recipe. It is wonderful. I have never had a problem with the chocolate shell at all. Just make sure you keep the chocolate thick enough and don't bring the sides up too much. YUMMY!

[Meg Sweetland]

The one thing I learned from this recipie is that I'm not a candy-maker! The filling was good but I couldn't get the chocolate shell right. Maybe next time....